A Tour of Hogar Escuela with Massiel

For the past two years, Manos Unidas has sponsored 13- year-old Massiel as she attends classes for the first time to learn sign language at Hogar Escuela, a primary school for deaf children.

Previously, Massiel was attending school in a rural area with no one who could teach her a first language or communicate lessons. Now she is thriving!

Take a look at Massiel’s typical school day.

Massiel shows us her drawing and language skills in a poster she created to practice vocabulary. She is busy learning to read and write.

Massiel takes jewelry-making classes after school each day. Here she is making earrings and a necklace. Classes aim to give students real-life occupational skills.

Massiel’s math teacher explains a new concept during the lesson. Her teacher says Massiel has caught up rapidly since she enrolled last year in Hogar Escuela, and will advance out of the 3rd grade level to be with kids her own age soon.

Massiel and her friends have fun striking a pose for the camera at Hogar Escuela. The school says she has a lot of friends and has built a strong support system.